AFC TOTTON goalkeeper Shane Murphy could be out until Christmas as he recovers from a fractured skull.

The Stags’ No1 took a blow to the head in an accidental collision with Horndean’s Fuzz Kanjanda in Hampshire FA Senior Cup action last month.

He was back at the Testwood Stadium on Tuesday watching Totton beat Moneyfields 3-1 in the Southern League Challenge Cup, but revealed that it may be some time before he dons the gloves again.

Murphy said: “It’s difficult to tell (when I’ll be back). I’ve seen a couple of specialists with mixed reviews. The first one said a couple of months and the second one said three or four months.

“As of today (Tuesday) I’ve been told I can do a bit of light exercise, but if I get a headache afterwards, I’ll know it’s too soon.”

With Evo-Stik Division One South rivals Winchester City in FA Cup action, the Stags’ home game against the Citizens, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been put back to Tuesday, October 23 (7.45pm).

Next up for Totton is a home tie against North Leigh in the FA Trophy preliminary round on October 13 (3pm).

Blackfield & Langley, second in the Evo-Stik Division One South, head to fifth-placed Highworth Town on Saturday.

It will be the teams' second meeting in eight days - the Watersiders got the better of the Worthians 3-0 in the FA Trophy at Gang Warily last weekend.

Highworth hosted higher-league Salisbury in the League Cup last night. They held Steve Claridge's men 0-0 but Salisbury progressed 5-4 on penalties.

Claridge concluded: "Highworth are a good side, but we managed to come out on top.

"I'm pleased to be still involved in this competition as it gives us a chance to allow squad players to get minutes and also gives us the opportunity to try things in a matchplay situation."

Blackfield & Langley have signed former Portsmouth young gun Matt Mayes, who scored on his debut in Tuesday’s 4-3 League Cup win at Gosport Borough.